Nov. 1, 2008

Essentials of The Good News

Read the Bible through:
AM – Lamentations 2 : PM – 2 Timothy 4

One Gospel For All People
Acts 2:5-13

12 “So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, "Whatever could this mean?”

Preaching in an outdoor meeting in the city square of Tarlac in the Philippines, the preacher had an experience that showed him when the Word of God is preached in simplicity and truth it has the power within itself to reach anyone, anywhere, anytime. He had requested the pastor-interpreter say and do what he said and did. Beginning the invitation one evening, he inadvertently tipped over his microphone. Immediately, his translator overturned his.

The man who had rented them his microphones was listening, as he did each evening, atop one of the high speaker poles. Immediately, he started descending down the pole. The preacher also realized he could possibly be facing a very angry person. He was wrong.

The man rushed to the interpreter, tears streaming down his face, and asked the young pastor if he would lead him to Christ as Savior. The preacher learned that evening there is absolutely no exclusion to who is included in the “all of the gospel.”

Thank You, Father, for the gospel that excluded no one.

October 31, 2008

The Good News: The Family’s Message

Read the Bible through:
AM – Lamentations 1 : PM – 2 Timothy 3

God’s Message Spread Abroad
1 Thessalonians 1:2-8

8 “For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything.”

Throughout the year, our church hosts several events that reach out into our local community. A favorite for all is the annual “Fall Festival”. Teens and adults give of their time and energy to make it possible. We celebrate Christ instead of participating in traditional Halloween festivities.

This festival of joy includes booths with games, gifts, prized, and candy for the children. Live music, entertainment, hot dogs, and popcorn are plentiful. As each family enters the festivities, we register their attendance and find out if they have a church home. We talk with them and place colorful tracts in their bags explaining God’s plan of salvation.

As we look to minister to the various needs in families, people respond to the love, hope, and good news of Jesus Christ. How exciting to share God’s message beyond the walls of the church.

Father, help me share Jesus Christ on this night.

October 30, 2008

The Good News: The Family’s Message

Read the Bible through:
AM – Jeremiah 52 : PM – 2 Timothy 2

God’s Message Glorified
Philippians 1:27-28

27 “Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.”

The Young mother stood before her pastor, a man she respected as the head of the church over her. He spoke accusing, threatening words to her. The words cut deep into her heart. As she was leaving the church, someone was following her, causing further intimidation.

Fearfully, she immediately drove to her mom’s residence. Gently the wise mother read aloud Philippians 1:27-28. The word of truth began dissolving the hurt and pain, bringing healing balm to her heart. God saw and knew the truth about the situation.

As we relate to one another, we are to endeavor “to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:3). Our words are to be uplifting and encouraging as we strive to stand firm in the truth.

Father, may I be steadfast and striving for unity of the gospel.

October 29, 2008

The Good News: The Family’s Message

Read the Bible through:
AM – Jeremiah 51 : PM – 2 Timothy 1

God’s Message Accepted
Acts 10:44-48

47 “To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.”

At the end of a fun-filled week at the summer church camp, the sparkling blue water of the swimming pool became the baptistery. Many boys and girls lined up to take their turns wading into the shallow end.

One by one the camp pastor asked each person if they believed that Jesus died for their sin, was buried, rose again and had asked Him to forgive them of their sin. As each individual responded yes, he prayed for and baptized that person.

One young girl came up from under the water rejoicing with tears streaming down her cheeks. This event was a public testimony to me and told all the others observing the change that had taken place in her life. “Jesus is living in me, and I love Him,” she said joyfully.

When we ask Jesus into our hearts, we then receive His Holy Spirit as a guarantee of our salvation. The act of baptism says to those watching that Christ is in me, and I will follow and obey Him.

Father, thank You for the privilege of following Christ in baptism

October 28, 2008

The Good News: The Family’s Message

Read the Bible through:
AM – Jeremiah 50 : PM – 1 Timothy 6

God’s Message Shared
Acts 10:34-43

43 “To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.”

Daily I meet people who need to hear about Jesus. I see them in my neighborhood, at the gas station, and at the grocery store. Speaking to them about their need for forgiveness of sin is difficult. I fear rejection. When I put myself aside and focus on Jesus, I am no longer the obstacle. I am to be ready when He brings divine appointments across my path.

God’s message of truth is hope for all – hope for today and all eternity for everyone who believes. God’s forgiveness breaks sin’s power and peace fills the hearts of new believers. The heavy weight of sin lifts from their shoulders, freeing them from its bondage and debt.

Many people continue to pray fervently for their loved ones to believe in Jesus. Some have come to know Him as a result of these faithful prayer warriors. We need to continue to pray for the many that still resist the word and refuse to believe.

Father, help me to remain faithful in sharing Your message of hope with a lost person today.

October 27, 2008

The Good News: The Family’s Message

Read the Bible through:
AM – Jeremiah 49 : PM – 1 Timothy 5

God’s Messager Received
Acts 10:23-33

33 “So I sent to you immediately, and you have done well to come. Now therefore, we are all present before God, to hear all the things commanded you by God.”

Occasionally on a Sunday morning it is difficult for her physically to get up and get moving because of arthritis. Also, the chronic pain of fibromyalgia combined with the usual stresses of life drain the energy from her body. However, it is during these times, when she gets up and goes to church regardless of how she feels, she experiences times of strength from God. He is renewing her body and refreshing her spirit.

God knows exactly what we need. He is faithfully equipping His servants with the words we need to hear and put into practice in our lives. It is amazing that we hear exactly what we need through the pastor’s preaching and his prayers. We need to be there, together with other believers, to hear God’s precepts of truth. Otherwise, we may suffer spiritual drought and unnecessary worry. How blessed we are when we receive God’s message through His messenger.

Lord, Thank You for strengthening my weaknesses through the words of Your servant.

October 26, 2008

The Good News: The Family’s Message

Read the Bible through:
AM – Jeremiah 48 : PM – 1 Timothy 4

God’s Messager Prepared
Acts 10:9-22

15 “And a voice spoke to him again the second time, "What God has cleansed you must not call common.”

The church body was seeking God’s heart and praying for a new pastor. The search committee was diligently looking, searching, and following God’s direction. They knew God was faithful and was working in the heart of the new shepherd He would send. God was equipping and preparing Him to preach and teach the Word among them.

God had a specific plan and purpose for them. He was getting them ready for the man He was sending to be their new pastor.

God spoke to Peter using the vision of the unclean animals. Three times the vision came, and he doubted. Peter knew he would not touch or eat any unclean animal. God told Peter he must not call unclean what He has cleansed. The divine instruction God spoke was clear –arise, go, and do not doubt. God was sending Peter to these people to accomplish a new work. God still prepares His servants for the work He has ordained.

Lord, I ask that You prepare my heart for the ministry which You have prepared for me.

October 25, 2008

The Good News: The Family’s Message

Read the Bible through:
AM – Jeremiah 46-47 : PM – 1 Timothy 3

God’s Message Needed
Acts 10:1-8

6 “He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea. He will tell you what you must do.”

Cornelius’s reputation is one of a devout and good man. He feared God and gave alms generously to people in need. He and all the members in his house prayed to the one true God. They did not follow idols or foreign gods.

God heard Cornelius’s prayers and began preparing Peter to come and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to him and his Gentile family. God blessed his family with truth.

As individual, we are also a part of the larger family of God. We are responsible to teach the word to those who live under our roofs. Also, we are to share with those outside of our homes – in the workplace, at school, at the ball park, and as we travel.

Being good and doing good works are not enough to bring salvation into our lives. Cornelius and his family needed to hear God’s provision of salvation through Jesus. Just as Peter did we too need to recognize the need for others to hear God’s message.

Thank You, Lord, for using my prayers and gifts to enhance the lives of others.

October 24, 2008

The Church: The Family’s Partner

Read the Bible through:
AM – Jeremiah 44-45 : PM – 1 Timothy 2

In Strengthening Families
Psalm 128:1-6

3 “Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine in the very heart of your house, Your children like olive plants All around your table.”

I find it hard to follow a private exercise regimen. How can we strengthen ourselves spiritually? Why, together! We do so every time we gather to worship and study. In that dedicated group we learn how to trust, serve, and imitate our Christ. And we leave each learning experience more able to meet and overcome problems that disturb the Christian atmosphere of our homes.

As a boy smaller than the others, I was impressed with Charles Atlas’ method of dynamic tension in exercising. Cartoons showed how the 97 pound weakling finally overcame the smart aleck who liked to kick sand into the weaklings’ faces. Atlas’ method was tough to use alone. But in sweet church relationships, exercising together, we make commitments that pay off. Using the strength we develop together in worship and study, we can put that bully down.

Lord, help me worship and learn in my church so I can cease bad attitudes that “kick sand” into my family’s eyes.

October 23, 2008

The Church: The Family’s Partner

Read the Bible through:
AM – Jeremiah 42-43 : PM – 1 Timothy 1

In Building Homes
Psalm 127:1-5

1 “Unless the LORD builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the LORD guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain.”

How does the Lord build a house? Not with any manual labor of course. Perhaps the psalmist meant the Lord gives approval for and spiritual assistance in the planning and building of the house that He promises to bless. He tells His people, through His Word, how to build happy homes.

Many of us can’t saw wood or hammer nails. But we all can learn how the divine Architect wants us to put our Christian homes together. In our building endeavor we need all the help we can get. We’ll find the church is our indispensable partner in this effort.

Where else but in the church can we learn the principles we need to know about creating and protecting our Christian homes? No part of today’s secular media can possibly help us in this area. The teaching and the worship we share as God’s people provide that needed help. No one else understands our longings – our pressing needs – to have truly Christian homes.

Lord, show me a personal change I need to make in order to raise my home to a higher Christian level.

October 22, 2008

The Church: The Family’s Partner

Read the Bible through:
AM – Jeremiah 39-41 : PM – 2 Thessalonians 3

In Living Righteously
Titus 2:11-15

11 “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.”

We must be careful as we read our key verses today. We might take them as urging us to leave the real world and live sad and monotonous lives. Far to the contrary, Paul’s writings indicate that we are free of binding rules and regulations.

Paul’s plea instead was that his readers should leave behind them the actions and attitudes that are destructive to physical joy and human usefulness. None of those that Paul placed outside our Christian parameters can possibly make life either better or longer. Indeed, they all contribute to unhappiness uselessness, and brevity of life.

“Are we having fun yet?” is a question no practicing Christian ever has to ask. Visit our Spring Valley Baptist Church Men’s Breakfast just once and you’ll be convinced this is so. You’ll never meet a happier bunch. But we do try to follow Paul’s admonition here. We just enjoy serving Christ together, and we never have hangovers.

Thank You, Lord, for guiding me into joyful living.

October 21, 2008

The Church: The Family’s Partner

Read the Bible through:
AM – Jeremiah 37-38 : PM – 2 Thessalonians 2

In Modeling Christian Behavior
Titus 2:1-8

7 “In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility.”

I remember as a boy guiltily entering a place a Christian shouldn’t have frequented. I knew better but just followed my buddies anyway. I looked around ashamedly to discover who might be seeing me there. Then I saw one of our church leaders far across the room. I immediately sneaked out, relieved not to have been seen by him or recognized by others. I never mentioned that episode to him of course. Although hypocritical, my disappointment was long lasting.

What if I had taken my church leader’s presence as an approval of my conduct that disappointing night? What if I then had come again and again to that place because my respected leader did? I shudder at the possibility. Our moral stewardship is an awesome one!

Lord, please help me be a pattern of good works in my small world today.

October 20, 2008

The Church: The Family’s Partner

Read the Bible through:
AM – Jeremiah 35-36 : PM – 2 Thessalonians 1

In Modeling Christian Leadership
Titus 1:5-9

6 “If a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination.”

Our key verse emphasizes the early church selected as it leaders those who had shown Christian dedication in their homes and communities. Of course, none of Paul’s readers, then or now, could claim to be literally blameless. Yet always the church’s leader s have needed to show that living and witnessing for Christ is the dominant purpose of their lives.

Christian parents and their believing children are powerful and priceless gospel assets. From them comes the promise of vital and effective church leadership for the generations to come.

The wise church chooses only such leaders as those Paul described. Qualified leaders will strive to keep on modeling the Christian life so others may follow their example. All concerned members will constantly pray that leaders will live up to Paul’s challenge and Jesus’ expectations.

Lord, please help me to model the Christian life as I should today at home and in public places.

October 19, 2008

The Church: The Family’s Partner

Read the Bible through:
AM – Jeremiah 33-34 : PM – 1 Thessalonians 5

In LIVING FOR THE LORD
Colossians 3:18-23

23 “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.”

The story is told of a high school football player who outdid himself in the game after his blind father’s death. The boy had insisted on playing, even in his sorrow. When asked after the game how he managed to play so well, his answer was thought provoking. He said it was his blind father’s first chance to actually see him play. He wanted so much to please him on that special night. The storied answer assumes much. We can’t know that our departed loved ones can watch our actions here. But we do know the Lord watches and knows how strongly we strive to please Him in the serious game of life.

Paul thought believer’s daily efforts to please the Lord would certainly be stronger than their efforts to please friends and acquaintances. Was he right, or did he assume too much? Are we as anxious to please the Lord as we are to get others to compliment us, or respect us, or reward us? That’s a challenging question. The Lord knows the answer to it. We need to find out about it too.

Lord, please remind me that my first responsibility is to please You, not others.

October 18, 2008

The Church: The Family’s Partner

Read the Bible through:
AM – Jeremiah 32 : PM – 1 Thessalonians 4

In Teaching
Colossians 3:16-17

16 “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

All children are home schooled. Oh, I know they usually go from kindergarten through high school in a school system. Still, regarding the passing on of vital Christian values, our children are ultimately home schooled. In these times, teaching our treasured values has been put largely out of the schools. If children are to learn these values they will have to be taught them in a blessed partnership between the home and the church.

The ideal way for children to learn spiritual truth is to hear it proclaimed at church and then watch it demonstrated in the home. Think how bewildering it is for children to hear one way espoused from the pulpit and then to see an opposite way enacted before their eyes at home. Worthy sermons and well-taught Sunday School lessons often are ruthlessly negated by parental actions. Church and home need to be partners in spiritual education.

Lord, help me teach Your Word by putting it into action.

October 17, 2008

The Bible: The Family’s Source of Instruction

Read the Bible through:
AM – Jeremiah 31 : PM – 1 Thessalonians 3

The Way of Hope
Psalm 119:49-56

54 “Your statutes have been my songs In the house of my pilgrimage.”

The lyrics of the songs one likes to sing or listen to can tell things about that person. All kinds of lyrics are out there. Some are about violence and hatred. Some are vulgar. Some are sweetly romantic. Some are spiritual. Some I can’t even understand. We ought to consider more carefully how popular lyrics affect people’s personalities and actions.

When the psalmist stopped in a resting place on his journeys, the “music” that calmed his heart and increased his hope was based on the character, the deeds, and the will of the God he served. Those precepts were songs that lifted and challenged him.

What are the characteristics of our God that gladden us most as we think of them? His wisdom? His power? His love for us? His love for the lost? His ever present grace? Perhaps the divine characteristic that means the most to us depends upon our needs at the time we let Him be our songs. Like the psalmist, we can let God’s divine lyrics be the songs we sing when our hopes need lifting in our life journeys.

Lord, let the teachings of your Word be the song that gladdens my heart today.

October 16, 2008

The Bible: The Family’s Source of Instruction

Read the Bible through:
AM – Jeremiah 29-30 : PM – 1 Thessalonians 2

The Way of Liberty
Psalm 119:41-48

45 “And I will walk at liberty, For I seek Your precepts.”

The way of “liberty” is literally “a wide way.” It does not smother us. There we are unfettered. Perhaps the psalmist thought of the wide, free way enjoyed by the Jews once out of their Egyptian bondage. Believers understand. In Christ we have been freed from the bondage of sin and self, and we are free – free to become what we ought to be.

I often shudder remembering the bondage of some deeply religious people outside of Christ. Shackled with fasting, special days, covered heads, numbered prayers, male supremacy, and hatred of unbelievers – how do they live? Prisoners they are or seem to me to be.

Our redeeming Christ Himself has set us free to pursue His precepts and promised to guide us in the joyful journey. He has changed us. He has released us from a selfish past and opened before us a wide way in which we are simply to trust and serve Him and show love to others. Freedom indeed!

Even more than the psalmist, we enjoy freedom in our happy efforts to please our Lord.

Thank You, Lord, for setting me free...

October 15, 2008

The Bible: The Family’s Source of Instruction

Read the Bible through:
AM – Jeremiah 27-28 : PM – 1 Thessalonians 1

The Guide for Life
Psalm 119:9-16

11 “Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You!”

The psalmist probably meant his guidance came from the whole of God’s written Word, not just some verses of it. He was fortunate to know its truth so well. Documents had to be hand written then. Only some of the writings of our Old Testament had been written, and they were preserved in cumbersome rolls. There were no chapter or verse divisions in them. Still, the psalmist found in God’s truth a treasure to be guarded in the vault of his heart.

How fortunate we are today! We have the whole of God’s Word, clearly printed and bound between lovely covers. Often it is even rendered in large letters for readers like me. And today we have the completed Bible to treasure. We have the words of Jesus and of the inspired writers who help us all to understand Him. We have concordances, commentaries, chapters, verses, and so much more the ancients did not have. If the psalmist felt enriched to have God’s Word to guide him, how wealthy should we think ourselves to be.

Dear Lord, please help me to appreciate Your Word and to find needed guidance in it.

October 14, 2008

The Bible: The Family’s Source of Instruction

Read the Bible through:
AM – Jeremiah 26 : PM – Colossians 4

The Word to Be Preached
2 Timothy 4:2

2 “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.”

I preached my first sermon when I was 16 years old. That was 45 years ago! I wish I could remember other things as well as I do that day! Now, these many years later, I can’t stop wanting to preach.

That is the way it should be with each Christian, pulpit or no pulpit. We all have a message to share with others. My call was to declare it in sermons, devotionals, and in personal witnessing. Most other people are called instead to share the gospel in witnessing opportunities outside the pulpit. Such calls are as vital as any minister’s. They may even be more difficult.

Paul told Timothy to declare the gospel both when it was easy to do so and when it was hard. Sharing it sometimes called for warning others about their need for Christ, and sometimes it meant encouraging them about God’s love. Those instructions apply to us all. Sharing the gospel is every Christian’s responsibility.

Thank You, Lord, for trusting me to be one of your witnesses.

October 13, 2008

The Bible: The Family’s Source of Instruction

Read the Bible through:
AM – Jeremiah 24-25 : PM – Colossians 3

The Message of Salvation
2 Timothy 3:14-17

15“From childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”

Once in a marketplace in a Muslim country, a newly appointed missionary once almost caused a riot. He started to pick up a beautiful copy of the Koran. An alert missionary grabbed his hand just in time. Glaring merchants were about to become incensed. The Koran was off limits to “infidels” like him.

World religions hold many writings to be holy scriptures. Some revere only one book. Others find spiritual truth in more than just a single volume. But all of those writings combined cannot make their readers “wise unto salvation.” They do not present “salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”

Timothy had been learning the scriptural message of salvation from his earliest days. So will it take us years to fully appreciate that message and to apply it properly to our daily lives.

Lord, thank You for the message of salvation You have placed in Your World

October 12, 2008

The Bible: The Family’s Source of Instruction

Read the Bible through:
AM – Jeremiah 22-23 : PM – Colossians 2

God’s Truth Communicated
2 Timothy 1:3-6

5 “When I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.”

How early in your life were you taught to reverence Scripture? Most children’s, even growing up in a loving family, only introduction to that attitude comes from their Sunday School teachers and their pastor. Their efforts receive no help at home.

Timothy was more fortunate than they. In his family, reverence for God’s word had been handed down from parent to child for at least two generations. Strong parental dedication to God’s truth resulted at last in Timothy’s becoming an ideal fellow worker for Paul. He was vital to world evangelism.

Paul wisely acknowledged his, and ultimately the world’s, debt to these two faithful women. Through teaching God’s Word in their home, they had helped make the gospel more available to the lost Gentile world.

Lord, help Christian parents show their love for Your Word by teaching it faithfully.

October 11, 2008

The Bible: The Family’s Source of Instruction

Read the Bible through:
AM – Jeremiah 20-21 : PM – Colossians 1

Many ideas, one truth
Acts 16:1-5

1 “Then he came to Derbe and Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a certain Jewish woman who believed, but his father was Greek.”

Paul made a wise choice in selecting Timothy “to go forth with him” (3). Timothy had grown up in a Gentile area. And his father was a Gentile. Thus Timothy came to know the Greek language and understand the non-Jewish culture Paul had been called to evangelize. Timothy understood the real world. He could respect the past without despising the present. He could cling to the worthy aspects of Jewish traditions without being blinded to gospel truths. He understood that people without the gospel needed Jesus.

Today’s children should be helped to understand the needs of a changing world as well as to understand the wideness of God’s love.

Lord, help me show in all my actions that I know You love everyone

October 10, 2008

The Home: The center of Biblical Guidance

Read the Bible through:
AM – Jeremiah 18-19 : PM – Philippians 4

Producing faithful children
2 John 1-6

4 “And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord”

Florrie Anne Lawton worked at LifeWay Christian Resources (then The Sunday School Board) in Nashville for many years consulting with leaders and writing curriculum, books, songs, and articles that taught teachers how to be better teachers of babies, creepers, and toddlers. Most summers she taught at LifeWay Glorieta and Ridgecrest Conference Centers. All this time, she taught babies and, in later years, some of those babies’ babies in her own church. Her love for people, especially babies, has been evident.

What a joy it is to Florrie Ann or any teacher who has taught children for many years when parents or grandparents came to tell what fine young men and women those babies turned out to be, faithfully following God’s commandments and walking in the truth. A teacher could have no greater reward.

Thank You, Father, for dedicated teachers of the Bible who teach little children

October 9, 2008

The Home: The center of Biblical Guidance

Read the Bible through:
AM – Jeremiah 15-17 : PM – Philippians 3

And Christian Nurture
Ephesians 6:1-4

4 “You, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord”

I had a lot of fun teasing our children when they were growing up. My mother-in-law would often rush over and tug on a laughing child in my arms and say, “You know what Paul said about provoking your children’s wrath.”

Paul was not talking about gentle teasing and play, but about families where debates and arguments become biting, critical and bitter and where the feelings of children are hurt and relationships in the family are broken.

Beautiful words from an old hymn “God of Grace and God of Glory” remind us of our responsibilities to our children.”

Cure thy children’s warring madness,
Bend our pride to Thy control;
Shame our wanton, selfish gladness,
Rich in thing and poor in soul.
Grant us wisdom, Grant us courage,
Lest we miss Thy kingdom’s goal.
Lest we miss Thy kingdom’s goal.

Father, help me to be the kind of parent and teacher You desire me to be.

October 8, 2008

The Home: The center of Biblical Guidance

Read the Bible through:
AM – Jeremiah 13-14 : PM – Philippians 2

From Generation to Generation
Proverbs 4:1-6

4 He also taught me, and said to me: "Let your heart retain my words; Keep my commands, and live”

Can you remember a particular song you learned as a small child. One that comes to my mind is the Sunbeam song.

“Jesus wants me for a sunbeam to shine for Him each day.
In every way try to please Him at school, at home, at play.”

To recall songs, Bible verses, and stories we learned as children brings us joy and satisfaction. Memorizing in our later years is difficult, but passages and stories learned in our early years stay with us for many years. Even Alzheimer’s victims can all of a sudden begin singing every word of old hymns, having retained for unexplainable reasons teaching of their childhoods.

Thank You, God, for the biblical truths I received as a child and for memory that retains them.

October 7, 2008

The Home: The center of Biblical Guidance

Read the Bible through:
AM – Jeremiah 11-12 : PM – Philippians 1

TEACHING To observe
Deuteronomy 6:20-25

25 "Then it will be righteousness for us, if we are careful to observe all these commandments before the LORD our God, as He has commanded us.”

Counting all the laws that have been enacted since our country was founded – those in our nation’s capitol, all the states’ capitols, from the largest cities to the smallest townships – the number must be in the millions! Yet, every year, more new laws are made.

Whereas God said, “Thou shalt not kill,” have we really needed so many laws regarding the reason for murder? For the types of slaying? For the kinds of guns used in killing. For the “extenuating circumstances” at the time of the act? When God told us not to steal, did He have to say, “Do not steal a pencil, a watch, a million dollars in embezzlement?” Did He mean there is a degree as to the seriousness of theft or any other crime?

Let us teach in our homes God’s written laws. Let us teach by example the observation of God’s laws. And let us teach that “it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the Lord our God.

Lord help me to always observe Your commandments.

October 6, 2008

The Home: The center of Biblical Guidance

Read the Bible through:
AM – Jeremiah 9-10 : PM – Ephesians 6

TEACHING Diligently
Deuteronomy 6:1-7

6 "And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up”

An international music program has been in existence for more than 25 years. The program has proved that music can make a difference in young children-from unborn babies to seven-year-olds!

The “mothers to be” attend the classes and are taught to sing, use music tapes, and develop other ways of providing calm, musical atmospheres for their developing babies. The program teaches children how to sing, read, and appreciate music at an early age.

We, as Christian parents, have an obligation to be just as diligent in teaching our children about the Bible, God’s love for them, and to obey God’s commandments.

Dear God, I pray You will give insight and wisdom to those who teach Your little ones

October 5, 2008

The Home: The center of Biblical Guidance

Read the Bible through:
AM – Jeremiah 7-8 : PM – Ephesians 5

TEACHING to remember
Deuteronomy 4:9-10

9 "Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. And teach them to your children and your grandchildren”

I once saw a pottery plaque hanging on a cookbook rack that says, “My collection of cookbooks is far superior to my cooking.” To rephrase that, “My collection of bibles is far superior to my knowledge of them.” My Bibles’ margins are all full of quotations and facts to help me remember!
I envy speed readers and those who retain all they hear and read, but I do not have that gift. We are so blessed in our churches to have opportunities to continue our learning. Exceptional sermons, Bible studies, classes, conferences, and seminars are all forms of Biblical teaching that equip us with knowledge to be better parents, teachers, and witnesses.

Perpetual learning about and remembering God’s statutes should mean perpetual teaching not only for our children, but for our children’s children … our grandchildren.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the opportunity to teach your ways to others.

October 4, 2008

The Home: The Center of Biblical Guidance

Read the Bible through:
AM – Jeremiah 5-6 : PM – Ephesians 4

TEACHING WISDOM
Deuteronomy 4:5-8

6 "Therefore be careful to observe them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples who will hear all these statutes, and say, 'Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.'

The Trinity College Library Dublin in Ireland houses thousands of the world’s oldest books. Among them is The Book of Kells, one of the oldest copies of the four gospels. It was produced by the monks of Iona in the ninth century. God has preserved His books of wisdom and the statutes He ordained so long ago for people to obey through the ages.

God, in His wisdom, through Moses, gave us the Ten Commandments – a perfect pattern for human-kind to live civilly, to love family, to be at peace with neighbors, and to honor God.

As this devotion is written, there is still war and strife in the Holy Land; and many innocent people are being killed. We can hope and pray that the wisdom and understanding Moses discussed surfaces again in that “great nation” very soon.

Lord, I pray for wisdom and peace to once again rule in Jerusalem and throughout the world.

October 3, 2008

Making a Commitment

Read the Bible through:
AM – Jeremiah 3-4 : PM – Ephesians 3

Becasue God is Faithful

Psalm 36:5-7

5 Your mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds

My favorite Bible character is Caleb, who said the children of Israel could take the Promised Land when Moses sent the spies to inspect it. Caleb was a positive thinker who could see past the impossible because he knew God was faithful. But the rest of the spies said no and outnumbered him, so he had to postpone his dream.

Caleb entered the Promised Land 45 years later as strong as he had been when he was age 40. He asked Joshua to give him a mountain, and at age 85 declared the victory he knew God had given him so long ago.

God was faithful to Caleb even though his dream was postponed for two generations. When the time came to claim a long-ago promise, Caleb was ready; and his victory was complete.

In God’s day planner, time is irrelevant. Our dreams may be deferred to a later date; but if they are God’s will, He will execute them in His perfect time.

Lord, because of Your great faithfulness, I will be faithful to the dreams You give me.

October 2, 2008

Making a Commitment

Read the Bible through:
AM – Jeremiah 2 : PM – Ephesians 2

AND REMEMBERING IT
Joshua 24:23-31

31 "Israel served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua, who had known all the works of the LORD which He had done for Israel."

A friend of mine made a commitment several years ago to walk two miles a day. Every afternoon she came home from work, changed into her walking clothes, and set off on her two-mile hike. If it started to rain while she was out, she kept right on going. No matter what else her day included, walking was a commitment she made and resolved to honor.

Most of us marveled at the way she kept her commitment. When we pressed her about it she answered, “The consequences of not walking are greater than the inconveniences of staying with it.” Routine is a safety net for a commitment. It gets us up, keeps us going, and provides the necessary structure for accomplishing a task.

God warned in Ecclesiastes 5:4 to be careful about making vows. An integral part of doing so is keeping them. May we, as did the people of Joshua’s generation, be faithful in keeping our commitments.

Lord, help me keep my commitments and honor You with my life.